Melvin T. Roland

Melvin Thomas Roland died peacefully on June 22, 2024 at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Born August 3, 1937 to Jesse M. Roland and Flora Grace Denson Roland in the Clifton Community of Scott County. He attended Branch and Morton Elementary, and graduated Morton High School in 1955. While a MHS (Morton High School) student, Melvin excelled at football for the Panthers. He was chosen Most Athletic and featured in The Mirror (MHS Yearbook), was an honorable mention for High School All American, and played in the MS All-Star football game. This 1955 North vs South match-up was the first MS All-Star game played in Veterans Memorial Stadium (Jackson, MS).

Mel was the first highschool letterman from Scott County to receive a Grant-In-Aid-Football Scholarship to a major college program (Mississippi State College). Not yet a “Bulldog” but a “Maroon”, Mel lettered again in football, was a member of SAM (Society for the Advancement of Management), and graduated In 1959 with a B.S. in Industrial Management (One of the first MS State classes with the new “University” designation on degrees). He married his highschool sweetheart, Franceska “Frisky” Loeb on July 5, 1957 at the Morton United Methodist Church.

A 31 year career with GMAC, (General Motors Acceptance Corporation), gave Melvin and his family the opportunity to live in New Orleans, Metairie and Hammond, Louisiana and Jackson, Mississippi prior to returning to his hometown Morton, Mississippi for the final years of his career. 

While a citizen of Morton, he and Frisky, were active in many faith based/community organizations. Memberships and support activities which included, being named Grand Marshals of the Morton Christmas Parade-2006, Lions Club (receiving several honors), local deer hunting clubs, Forest Community Arts, Inc., Morton Homemaker Volunteers, MSU/ Scott County Extension Service organization, where he contributed many volunteer hours to the erection of signs representing Morton MHV Club at all highway entrances to Morton, (even collected “one ton” of recycled cans toward the effort). He also was instrumental in the MHV effort to restore the broken historical marker designating the Ueltschey Tannery on Highway 13, Morton. Both events were attended by family members, local and state dignitaries. 

His honors with Boy Scouts of America in Jackson and Troop 28 in Morton were many. They included Scout Master, District Commissioner, Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, multiple Treks to Philmont National Scout Ranch at Cimarron, New Mexico, and The Silver Beaver Award. 

He and Frisky enjoyed RV traveling to attend MSU football games on campus and many others on other college campuses and Bowl Games. Many adventures were enjoyed throughout the US/Canada visiting National Parks and various Historical sites, local and national entertainment venues (New Stage local/college productions, MSU Riley Center, Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee).

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Flora Denson Roland; in-laws, Harold “Happy” and Bennye “Princess” Loeb; brother, James “Jimmy” Roland; brother-in-law, Chester Sawyer; niece, Suzy Sawyer Meador; nephew, Tommy Sawyer (Stephanie).

He is survived by his beloved wife, Franceska “Frisky” Loeb Roland; equally loved sons, Harold Melvin “Hal” Roland (Bobbie Sue Ditcharo) of Harvey, Louisiana, Alben David Roland (Jimmie Sanford) of Providence, Rhode Island and Brian Roland of Morton; daughter, Franceska “Kyle” Roland Sybil (Terry) of Everett, Washington; step-granddaughter, Carissa Sybil Zornes (Ryan) and Sabrina Sybil; sister, Shirley Roland Sawyer; niece, Tammie Roland Tabor (Tim); nephews, Tim Roland (Stephanie) and Ray Meador; two great-nephews; one step-nephew; two great nieces; two great-great nieces and one great-great nephew. 

Visitation of Family and Friends will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton on Friday, August 2nd from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, August 3, 2024 with a reception from 1:00pm-2:45pm at the Livingston Center at Roosevelt State Park in Morton. 

The Memorial Service will begin at 3:00pm, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Livingston Center at Roosevelt State Park in Morton. (the date when Melvin would have celebrated his 87th Birthday Anniversary). 

In honor of Melvin, the family requests anyone coming to dress casually and comfortably in any combination of MHS and/or MSU colors (blue, gold, maroon, and white) on August 3rd.

Melvin Thomas Roland was a much loved, admired, respected gentleman who will be sincerely missed. 

In lieu of flowers, please support your Faith Family Needs, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, your favorite animal rescue organization, or any charity of your choice.

Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton is honored to serve the Roland family.